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Subpanel sizing

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01-08-03, 06:14 AM

swampmd

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Subpanel sizing

I am rewiring my house. My main panel does not accept Arc-fault breakers, so I need to install a subpanel for the bedroom circuits and future circuits. How do I go about sizing the subpanel. I want to use one as big as possible for future circuits, but don't want to overload my capacity.

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01-08-03, 06:28 AM

John Nelson

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If the sub is going to be right next to the main, there's little downside to making it large. Get one with plenty of spaces too. Probably 60 amps is a good size if there will be no 240-volt loads, and it won't be serving any kitchens. Otherwise go even bigger. The size of the subpanel has nothing to do with whether or not you overload your main panel.

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